Process of and apparatus for refrigerating



F. W. WOLF.

PROCESS OF AND APPARATUS FOR REFRIGERA'HNG.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 23. I913. RENEWED DEC. I. 1916- 1,337, 175. Patented Apr. 13, 1920.

ll-ZQ/ UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRED W. WOLF, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO THE ISKO COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

PROCESS OF AND APPARATUS FOR REFRIGERATING.

Application filed December 23, 1913, Serial No. 808,389.

To all whom it may concern Be' it known that I, FRED WV. ons, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Processes of and Apparatus for Refrigerating; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to refrigeration and particularly to processes and apparatus involving compression of the refrigerant as distinguished from absorption systems.

The invention is primarily intended to be used for domestic purposes and one of the objects is to obviate the various defects and disadvantages to be found in prior systems as used for refrigeration on a large scale or for the manufacture of ice in commercial quantities.

One of the disadvantages of prior compression systems is in the cooling of the refrigerant. \Vhere running water is used to cool the condenser there is not only the expense involved in the installation and up keep but the apparatus including the plumbing is very cumbersome and considerable difliculty is experienced in properly controlling the feed and disposal of the water, particularly if the press re varies in the supply mains as is nearly always the case.

The present invention overcomes this serious disadvantage and it consists generally, in the use of a refrigerant of low boiling point such as sulfurous acid (50,), compressing such refrigerant and delivering it to a receiver, then cooling the refrigerant to something above the temperature of the air surrounding the receiver, and finally expanding the refrigerant to produce a refrigcrating effect. By using sulfurous'acid as suggested above and providing a large superficial area in the condensing coil, the refrigerant may be condensed and liquefied by exposing the coils to the air only and the use of cooling water is dispensed with.

The invention is further embodied in an Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 13, 1920.

Renewed December 1, 1916. Serial No. 134,502.

apparatus for carrying out the process, and an illustrative form of such apparatus is shown in the drawings which form a part ofthis specification, and in which:

Figure 1 is a view of a refrigerating apparatus built in accordance with this invention shown as applied to a domestic type refrigerator, the latter being partly in section;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the refrigerator and apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view through the condensing coil on the line 33 of Fig. 2; and

F ig. 4 is a view on a still larger scale representing a cross section of the tubing forming the condensing coil.

In the drawings, 10 indicates a refrigerator which may be of any desirable construction, having a shelf 11 at the top to support an expansion coil 12. 13 indicates a compressor mounted on the top wall 11 of the refrigerator near one end thereof, and 14 a motor for driving said compressor mounted on said top wall near the other end thereof. 15 indicates a driven pulley adapted for the operation of the compressor. Said pulley is connected by one or more belts 16 to a driving pulley 14 on the shaft of the motor 14. The belts are preferably round in section and both the driven pulley 15 on the compressor and the driving pulley 14 on the motor have suitable peripheral grooves to receive said belts.

The driven pulley 15 is made heavy so as to act also as a flywheel and preferably has spokes 17 constructed to form fan-like, spiral blades which act to produce a draft over the top of the refrigerator and effect a continual change of the air in and about the apparatus thereon. The compressor and the motor, as shown, are mounted on a common, hollow base 18 which is attached by suitable bolts 19 to the top wall 11 of the refrigerator.

A condensing coil adapted for air cooling is indicated at 20. It comprises a considerable length of tubing, having a comparatively small cross section and a comparatively thin wall to obtain maximum cooling. I have found that the best results are obtained by using copper tubing of about 3 diameter. As shown the condensing coil is mounted above the refrigerator and it is exposed to the air throughout its length between the compressor 13 and the expansion coil 12. It comprises a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally disposed loops 20* which surround the compressor and motor in the form of a cage, thus acting as a guard about the operating parts of the apparatus. In the drawings these loops 20 approximate in size and form the plan of the top wall 11 of the refrigerator and thus occupy a maximum of horizontal space without extending beyond the refrigerator and a maximum length of tubing is included in each loop. As many loops are used to make up the condensing coil as will be required to properly cool and liquefy the refrigerant and it is found that by the construction and arrangement described the loops will not need to extend any. substantial amount above the top of the flywheel or pulley of the compressor, so that the apparatus as a whole will require a minimum height in the space that it occupies. At the same time, by making the condensing coil, as shown, of substantially the same plan as the top wall of the refrigerator and forming it of tubing of small cross section and of thin metal, a maximum of radiating surface is provided in the coil and air cooling is snfiicient to efficiently condense and liquefy the refrigerant therein.

The plurality of loops are supported in any convenient manner, and, as shown. are attached to upright bars 21 located at the corners of the top of the refrigerator. Said loops are connected to said bars by means of plates 22, having a plurality of vertically spaced, semi-circular parts 23 which engage the several loops and hold them in proper vertically spaced relation.

The top coil has an inlet end 24 which is led down and connected to the compressor in such manner as to receive the compressed refrigerant from the cylinder of said compressor. The bottom coil has an outlet end 25 which is led down through the top wall of the refrigerator and is connected by an expansion valve 26 of any suitable construction to the inlet end of the expansion coil. 27 indicates the outlet end of the expansion coil which is led up through the top wall of the refrigerator and is connected to the compressor in a familiar manner.

By constructing the driven pulley on the condenser with the fan-like spiral blade spokes as described, a proper circulation of air between the coils is produced when. as is often the case, the refrigerator is placed under an overhanging shelf with its back against one wall and its two sides in close proximity to offsets in said wall.

By the arrangement of the condensing coil as described, the rapidly moving parts Leanna of the apparatus are completely inclosed, so that no danger is incurred by those approaching the refrigerator.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a refrigerating apparatus adapted for the use of a refrigerant of low boiling point, in combination with an expansion coil, a compressor, a motor for driving said compressor, means for supporting said motor and compressor in operative relation, a condensing coil made of tubing of compara' tively small cross section and having a comparatively thin wall, said condensing coil being exposed to the air and comprising a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally disposed loops surrounding said motor and compressor, and means for supporting said loops in proper vertically spaced relation.

2. In a refrigerating apparatus adapted for the use of a refrigerant of low boiling point, in combination with a refrigerator, a compressor located on top of said refrigerator, a motor for driving said compressor located on top of said refrigerator and an expansion coil located within said refrigerator, a condensing coil made of tubing of comparatively small diameter having a comparatively thin wall, said condensing coil being adapted to be air cooled and comprising a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally disposed loops surrounding said motor and compressor, and means rising from the top of said refrigerator adapted for supporting said loops in proper vertically spaced relation:

3. In a refrigerating apparatus adapted for the use of a refrigerant of low boiling point, in combination with a refrigerator, a compressor located on the top of said refrigerator, a motor for driving said compressor located on top of said refrigerator, and an expansion coil located within said refrigerator, a condensing coil consisting of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally disposed loops made from tubing of comparatively thin metal, said tubing being of comparatively small diameter, the figure inclosed by said loops being substantially equal to the top plan of the refrigerator, and means rising from the top of said refrigerator adapted for supporting the loops of said coil in proper vertically spaced relation.

4. In a refrigerating apparatus adapted for the use of a refrigerant of low boiling point, in combination with a refrigerator. a compressor located on the top of said refrigerator, a motor for driving said compressor located on top of said refrigerator, and an expansion coil located within said refrigerator, a condensing coil consisting of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally disposed loops made from tubing of comparatively thin metal. said tubing being of comparatively small diameter and having its outer surface tinned, the figure inclosed b said loops being substantially equal to tiie top plan of the refrigerator, and means rising from the top of said refrigerator adapted for supportmg the loops of said coil in proper vertically spaced relation.

5. In a refrigerating apparatus, in combination, a compressor, a motor for driving the compressor, an expansion coil connected' to the compressor, and a condensing coil exposed to the air and connected to the compressor and to the expansion coil, said con= densing coil comprising a plurality of vertically spaced loops forming a cage around said compressor and motor.

6. In a refrigerating apparatus, in combination, a compressor, a motor for driving the compressor, an expansion coil connected to the compressor, and a condensing coil exposed to the air and connected to the compressor and to the expansion coil, said condensing coil comprising a plurality of vertically spaced loops forming a cage around said compressor and motor, and a fan inside said cage to circulate the air about said condensing coil.

7. In a refrigerating apparatus, in combination,.a support, a compressor and a motor mounted thereon in spaced relation, means for driving the compressor from the motor, an expansion coil connected to the compressor and extending below the top of said support, a condensing coil exposed to the air above the top of said support and connected to the compressor and to the expansion coil, said condensing coil comprismg a plurality of vertically spaced loops forming a cage around said compressor and motor, and means for supportin said loops in spaced relation from the sai support.

8. The combination with a refrigerator, of a refrigerating apparatus, adapted for the use of a refrigerant of low boiling point and comprising an expansion coil in the re frigerator, a base mounted on the refrigerator, a compressor and motor on said base, a driving connection fromthe motor to the compressor, and a condensing coil exposed to the air and supported above the top of said refrigerator, said condensing coil being connected to the compressor and to the expansion coil and comprising vertically spaced loops surrounding said compressor and motor.

'9. A refrigerating apparatus employing said parts being connected to form a closedcircult for said agent.

10. A refrigerating apparatus comprising in combination, means to compress a refrigerating as to a pressure, the corresponding boi ing point of which is above the temperature of the atmosphere, an atmospherically cooled condenser for condensing the compressed gas, and an expansion chamber into which the li uid is expanded, said parts being connecte to form a closed circuit for the refrigerant.

11. A refrigerating apparatus comprising in combination, a gas compressor, atmospherically cooled condensing means disposed on at least two sides of said compressor to condense the compressed gas and an expansion coil, said parts being connected to form a closed circuit for a refrigerant.

12. A refrigerating apparatus comprising in combination, a gas compressor, atmosphericaly cooled condensing means to condense the compressed gas, means directly connected to the compressor to effect a circulation of the atmosphere around said means, and an expansion chamber into which the condensed liquid is expanded.

13. A refrigerating apparatus comprising in combination, a gas compressor, atmosphe'rically cooled condensing means to condense the compressed gas, a fan rotating at the same speed as the compressor to effect a circulation of the atmosphere around said means, and an expansion chamber into which the condensed liquid is expanded.

14. A process of refrigeration consisting in, compressing sulfur dioxid gas, atmospherically cooling the compressed gas to condense the same, and expanding the condensed fluid into an expansion chamber to produce a refrigerating efl'ect.

15. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, an air coole condenser, and an expansion chamber, said parts being connected to form a closed 011'- cuit for the refrigerating agent, and a fan mounted to effect a circulation of air around the condenser and against the compressor.

16. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, an air coole condenser, and an ex aiision chamber, said parts bein connecte to form a closed circuit for t e refrigerating a cut, a motor having a shaft connected to t e compressor to drive the same, and a fan mounted to effect a circulation of air around the condenser also driven by said motor.

17. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, atmospherically cooled condenser means, an expansion. chamber, and a fan arranged coaxially with the drivmg shaft of the compressor to effect a circulation of air around the said means.

18. A refrigerating apparatus includin in combination, a compressor, atmospherically cooled condenser means, an expansion chamber, a motor to drive said compressor, 130

and a fan mounted to rotate about an axis parallel to the motor and driven thereby to effect a circulation of air around the said means.

19. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, atmospherically cooled condenser means on opposite sides of said compressor, an expansion chamber, a fan to effect a circulation of air around said means anda motor connected to drive said compressor and fan.

20. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, atmospherically cooled condenser means comprising a coil arranged in loops surrounding the compressor, an expansion chamber and means to drive the compressor.

21. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, atmospherically cooled condenser means comprising a coil arranged in loops surrounding the com pressor, a fan to effect a circulation of air around the coil, an expansion chamber, and means to drive the compressor and fan.

22. Aa'efrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, atmospherically cooled condenser means, anexpansion chamber and a motor to drive said compressor, said means comprising a coil "arranged in loops surrounding the compressor and motor. 23. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, atmospherically cooled condenser means, an expansion chamber, a motor to drive said compressor, said means comprising a coil arranged in loops surroundin the compressor and motor, and a fan driven by the motor to effect a circulation of air around said means.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I aflix Tny signature in the presence of two Witnesses, this 17th day of December, A. D. 1913.

FRED \V. WOLF.

Witnesses GEORGE R. WILKINS, KARL W. DOLL.

DISCLAIMER.

LBBTJIJ-J 'rml W. Wolf, Chicago, Ill. Pnounss OF AND APPARATUS FUN RI-ll-RlGl-IRA'I" mu. lntont dalcd April 13, 1920. Disclaiinvr filed January 28. 1929. h H nss'igneu hy mesne assignments, Frigidaire Corporation.

Hereby does disclaim from the scope of said claim 10 all refrigerating a p t which does not have an alJi10s )l c1-ically-cooled condenser for condens ng the cum preswdgus composed of a considerable length of tubing made of copper 0f about of an inch diameter and having a comparatively thin wall; and does disclaim from the scope uf said claim 15 all refrigerating apparatus which docs not have an aircooled condenser composed of a unnsidernble length (if metal tubing of not more than of .an im'h diameter and having a comparatively thin wall.

[Ofiicz'al Gazette l ebmary 12, 1.929.]

OI'SGLAl'ii/FER l ,337,l75.-Frerl- W. ll'olf, Chicago, Ill, Pnocess OF AND APPARATUS FOR Ramm- HEATING. Patent dated April 13, 1920. Disclaimer filed October 14, 1931, by the assignce, Frigidaire Corporation.

Therefore, enters this disclaimer to the said claims of said Letters Patent which are in the following words-4,0 wit:

10. A refrigerating apparatus comprising in combination, means to compress a refrigerating gas to a pressure, the corresponding boiling point of which is above the temperature of the atmosphere, an atmospherically cooled condenser for condensing the compressed gas, and an expansion chamber into which the liquid is expanded, said parts being connected to form a closed circuit for the refrigerant."

15. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, an air cooled condenser, and an expansion chamber, said parts being connected to form a closed circuit for the refrigerating agent, and a fan mounted to effect a circulation of air around the condenser and against the compressor.

16. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, an air cooled condenser, and an expansion chamber, said arts being connected to form a closed circuit for the refrigeratin a ent, a; motor raving a shaft connected to the compressor to drive the same, an a an mounted to effect a circulation of air around the condenser also driven by said motor."

18. A refrigerating apparatus including in combination, a compressor, atmospherically cooled condenser means, an expansion chamber, a motor to drive said compressor, and a. fan mounted to rotate about an axis parallel to the motor and driven thereby to effect a circulation of air around the said means."

[Oficwl Gazette November 8, 1.931.] 

